Preparation underway for 2014-15 school year

Saturday

Jul 26, 2014 at 7:38 AMJul 26, 2014 at 7:39 AM

By Andy BarrandTwitter: @abarrandHDN

HILLSDALE — With summer half over, Hillsdale Community Schools are gearing up for the 2014-15 school year.Work continues on window projects at Gier Elementary School and Davis Middle School this summer, as the work at Davis will begin next week.The Hillsdale Community Schools building and site committee recently gave $10,000 to the Hillsdale High School National Honor Society for continued work at Jim Inman Park. Work on the park began last spring when the National Honor Society members and members of A Few Good Men teamed up to clean up the park.The school system recently signed a month-to-month lease with a tenant for Wilson Hall, as the school system has vacated the building. The alternative school program — which was being offered at Wilson Hall — will be housed at Hillsdale High School this year.Superintendent Shawn Vondra said the building is still for sale if an interested buyer comes forth.During the recent meeting, Vondra shared some good news that was received from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).The school recently received a letter from MHSAA executive director Jack Roberts congratulating the students on their outstanding sportsmanship.Vondra said the letter just enforces what the staff instills in the students on a daily basis.“The thanks goes to the staff and coaches who lead those kids,” Vondra said.With the hiring of Jessica Holen, the high school will offer competitive cheer this year during the winter sports season. Hillsdale was the only school in the Lenawee County Athletic Association which didn’t offer competitive cheer.Other fall coaching positions were approved during the meeting, including Debbie Proctor-Bigelow, who will be coaching freshman volleyball; Mary Peter, cross country; and Dusty Zimmerman was hired as a junior varsity football coach.The school system will offer four Great Start Readiness Program classes this year.Vondra said he is hoping if the state opens additional classes the school would be able to offer two more classes. The program prepares students for kindergarten to help with the transition.Lunch prices will be going up for the 2014-15 school year by 10 cents at the elementary and secondary level. An elementary lunch will now cost $2.55 and secondary $2.65.Open houses will be Aug. 25 at each of the schools in the district beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Gier, 6 p.m. at Bailey Elementary, 6:30 p.m. at Davis Middle School and 7 p.m. at the high school.The next Hillsdale Community Schools meeting will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Hillsdale High School.